The Atomic Testing Museum:

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The atomic testing facility in Nevada is chronicled as well as the culture during that time at The Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas. Elvis, the Rat Pack and more are seen throughout.

The skyline of Las Vegas. The area is near what was once the main U.S. testing grounds for the atomic bomb. Casinos would attract customers by promising views of the mushroom clouds.

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A time lapse sequence of the effects of a nuclear explosion on a model home is on display at the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas

Mushroom clouds are scattered throughout The Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas. The Nevada Testing Site, 65 miles outside of Las Vega, was established by the United States Department of Energy to study the effects of nuclear weapons.

The Atomic Testing Museum east of The Strip on Tropicana has been one of my favorite oddball stops in Las Vegas.

The exhibition focuses on the Nevada Test Site, the most-atomic-bombed spot on the planet. Between 1951 and 1992, more than 900 nuclear explosions were set off – including 100 above ground.

This year, the museum is featuring “Building Atomic Vegas,” an exhibit on how Las Vegas dealt with – and sometimes capitalized on – nuclear explosions. Entrepreneurs like casino owner Benny Binion used the tests to attract customers.

The special exhibit was a bit of a disappointment – too jumbled and amateurish, with goofy cutouts of people supposed to represent average citizens and peace protestors of the era. It wasn’t quite what I expected from a place that touts its association with the Smithsonian Institution. But it will hopefully draw more visitors to the first-rate permanent exhibit.

Atomic Testing Museum, atomictestingmuseum.org or 702-794-5150. Admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children, senior citizens, students, military and other special groups. Kids under 6 are free.